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Sofia’s Play Garden at Lauritzen Opens
May 26, 2025 @ 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
This brand-new garden is designed to spark imagination, discovery, and joy for visitors of all ages and abilities. Spanning an amazing acre, it offers an inclusive, sensory-friendly environment where children and families can learn, play, and connect with nature in meaningful ways. From larger-than-life birdhouses to sculptures that “sing” and from a plant petting zoo to a meditative labyrinth, this beautifully designed garden is a celebration of curiosity and connection!
There are 8 distinctive areas across 1 amazing acre:
- Artifact Hills
- Crafting Nook
- The Forest Thicket
- Hager Family Springs
- Hawks Songbird Village
- Loess Hills Landing
- Mary’s River View
- The Neighborhood
A few highlights:
- SENSORY FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES: Whether they’re drumming on outdoor instruments, following the twists of a labyrinth, or hearing the wind bring sculptures to life, children of all abilities can discover nature in fun, sensory-rich ways.
- INTERACTIVE PLAY: From water features and bird wings to produce shops and net-covered bridges, every twist and turn is designed to engage young minds and bodies in joyful, interactive exploration.
- A PLACE THAT IS PLANT FOCUSED: Explore the roots of the
prairie, gently explore textures in the plant petting zoo, see what’s sprouting in the community garden, and uncover even more leafy surprises growing across this amazing acre! - IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS: Concrete that represents the layers of the soil, animal tracks stamped into concrete, secret trails through the trees, lily pads to get across the rain garden, a red cart that honors the garden’s first office (a red truck), there are little touches that delight at every turn!
- FOSTERING A LOVE OF NATURE IN KIDS OF ALL AGES: Every corner of the garden invites you to connect with nature—stop to smell the flowers, create dams in the stream, or craft a structure from sticks and stones. These thoughtfully designed spaces help kids (and grownups) fall in love with the natural world, one discovery at a time!
Sofia’s Play Garden will be included in daily garden admission and is FREE for garden members.
Location, location, location: In contrast to our former children’s garden (that was quite a hike for families), this space is conveniently located just outside the back doors of the visitor and education center.
Sofia’s Play Garden summer hours are:
- 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday
- 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday
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